Over the years I have tried many different methods and techniques for healing and well being. Some of these healthy rituals and experiments have failed miserably, but many have helped make my body, mind, and heart healthier. Since these lifestyle changes have been so important to me, I’d like to share my list of what you will find in my healthy toolkit.

Yoga — This is my best tool to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Just practicing a few basic yoga poses makes me feel great.

Art – creating something beautiful and unique to you. It need not be a masterpiece.  “Art is about emotion; if art needs to be explained, it is no longer art.” – Pierre Auguste Renoir

Take a break – hiking, traveling, healthy spa weekend (or week) – on a micro-scale Meditation and a walk w/out any smartphones (real solitude) works.

Eat well for your body – keep a food diary for the week. Evaluate when you feel good. Figure out what makes you overeat and/or self-sooth eating.

Connect with others – not easy for everyone, but critical for your wellbeing.

Sleep – OMG I am a cranky, disoriented & very ineffective person w/out it. Sleep deprivation is used in torture for a reason. I’d crack in a minute.

Help others – it’s magical how worrying about someone else and helping in any way you can help you. What a beautiful win-win.

Learn to ride the waves of the ups and downs of life – great information online about this subject, but it’s “work” to find what works for you, and this tool is organic. It changes over time as you change.

Cultivate a spiritual life – whatever that means to you. Discover and strengthen your connection to something that is greater than yourself.

Physical – call it exercise, fun movement, whatever you enjoy – I had a fitness and health magazine for many years, I could talk about the benefits of this forever.

Foster Optimism – 1st thing daily I read aloud my affirmations, I read inspiring words, I look at inspirational images & I write three Morning Pages. My set point in life has always been optimistic, but my daily ritual enhances that.

Laughing, Music & Play – Just For the sheer joy of Play (no expectations or product).

Analyze – Journal, art journal, make lists, etc. It doesn’t matter if you’re so detailed you keep an Excel spreadsheet; the key is to study what works and what does not.

Find a mentor – Actively seek out a trusted hero, A real-world inspiring person, etc. + Rethink your role models from childhood. We tend to get stuck in ideas that no longer serve us. Expend the energy to update your list.

Your circle of influence – Surround yourself w/ people that make you feel good about you.

Heal any unfinished business – I may have eliminated my abusers, but that does not mean I have to forgive them (some disagree w/ me on this). They are accountable, but I hold them no ill will. Forgive yourself for your mistakes, flaws, etc. Love yourself, unconditionally. Healing can take time from a disappointment or a wound. Be kind to yourself. Seek professional help if you need it.

Live in the moment – Change takes time, which seems contrary to the in-the-moment mantra, I repeat a lot. But energetically the universe responds to the energy of action. You can’t just wish stuff into being. You are co-creating your life.

Celebrate – life is such a gift. Keep a gratitude journal if that helps to illuminate this.